Western Colorado University STEM Viewbook 2022-23

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A Guide to STEM Degrees at Western

Discover

Located in Gunnison, Colorado

Western Colorado University delivers career preparation, engineering, computer science and other sciences as well as a liberal arts curriculum to 3,700 students, including 2,200 on-campus learners, in the heart of the Rocky Mountains.

Our university’s small size, unique setting and low cost ensure students receive personalized attention, gain hands-on experience and graduate without taking on excessive debt. Western is nestled in gorgeous Gunnison, the “Base Camp of the Rocky Mountains.” Known for its friendly, small-town atmosphere, Gunnison’s population strikes a unique balance between intellect and adventure, as there is no shortage of Ph.D.s, public land and bright young minds in the area.

Western F4D Studio
Fort Collins Greeley Boulder Denver Colorado Springs Grand Junction Montrose Gunnison
35 STEM majors, minors and emphases. 21 STEM scholarship opportunities worth thousands of dollars. 95% of
Western-CU Partnership Program students gain internship or research experience upon graduation.
Learn more about this program on page 24 2 Western.edu 3

Find

WESTERN-CU

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Your Fit UNDERGRADUATE DEGREES ACCELERATED DEGREE PROGRAMS
PARNTERSHIP PROGRAM Biology Chemistry Computer Science Exercise & Sport Science Geology Mathematics Nutrition Science Physics Pre-Health Explore our STEM and Partnership Programs at western.edu/stem Computer Science Mechanical Engineering F4D Studio 4 Western.edu 5

Understanding the science behind life in all its stages

Understanding life forms—from molecules and cells, to organisms and ecosystems—has never been more critical. The Biology program at Western Colorado University emphasizes handson learning in the field and laboratory.

Situated in the Gunnison Basin, Western Colorado University is an ideal place for you to immerse yourself in an expansive learning laboratory. Our state-of-the-art facilities, immersive learning opportunities, customized curriculum and professional network enable you to get a head start on your career.

With over 2 million acres of public land in Gunnison County, students have endless opportunities to learn through field experiences.
LEARN MORE Major & Minor • Environmental Biology & Ecology • Fisheries & Aquatic Ecology • General Biology • Wildlife & Conservation • Secondary Licensure Career Pathways • Microbiology • Biochemistry • Ecology • Botany • Sustainability Beyond the Classroom You’ll have the opportunity to receive funding and work with faculty on your own original research through our Thornton Biology Research Program, help track lynx with The Wildlife Society, or collaborate with researchers at the world-renowned Rocky Mountain Biological Laboratory. UNDERGRADUATE Biology Contact Robin A. Bingham, Ph.D. Professor of Biology rbingham@western.edu 970.943.3355 Erin Blair western.edu/biology 6 Western.edu 7

From molecules up, learn how chemistry and chemical processes construct the building blocks of life Life is essentially a complicated system of interrelated chemical processes. A Chemistry degree is a pathway to an incredible range of careers, from pharmaceuticals to nanomaterials. Here at Western, students conduct experiments in their courses and develop independent research projects. You can join chem club and help put on the annual chemical “magic show” for local elementary students.

Nearly all chemistry courses integrate a lab component, allowing students to bolster their understanding of classroom concepts. Western’s location lends itself to outdoor lab work and students regularly find hemselves conducting their research in the field.
LEARN
MORE Major & Minor • Biochemistry • General Chemistry • Secondary Licensure Career Pathways • Chemical Engineering • Pharmaceutical • Forensics • Product Development Beyond the Classroom Chemistry students have the opportunity to both conduct their own research and help expert faculty with professional projects, preparing them for further study in graduate programs or lucrative careers in a fast-paced and in-demand industry. F4D Studio Carley Clegg UNDERGRADUATE Chemistry Contact Anne Ryter, Ph.D. Professor of Chemistry aryter@western.edu 970.943.7098 western.edu/chemistry 8 Western.edu 9

Develop, program and code solutions to complex digital problems

With data pouring in from social media, cellphones, smart speakers and the explosion of “Internet of Things” devices, there has never been a better time to be a computer scientist. Each track within the Computer Science program is built on a core of programming in current languages while focusing on skills such as database management, GUI design, web development and software engineering.

Beyond the Classroom

LEARN MORE Major & Minor • Information Security • Scientific Computing • Software Engineering • Web Design & Development (Minor) Career Pathways • Software/Web Developing • UX Design • IT Project Managing • Information Security
Students have worked on projects such as facial recognition software, a gesture-controlled quadcopter, ma chine learning, Android apps, an online guided tour, commercial websites and more. Many students also participate in internships around the state, nation and Western’s own IT Services office. UNDERGRADUATE Computer Science The Computer Science program curriculum provides students with a well-rounded technical skillset and leaves them prepared for dozens of professional roles after graduation. Western’s 16:1 student to faculty ratio allows students to receive individualized attention and learn one-on-one from expert faculty. F4D Studio Contact Sam Micka, Ph.D. Professor of Computer Science smicka@western.edu 970.943.7102 western.edu/program/computer-science F4D Studio 10 Western.edu | 11

Explore the science of movement and physiology

Develop skills that promote healthy lifestyles and enhance human performance while preparing for careers in personal training, physical education and health coaching – all at 7,700 feet above sea level. Graduates pursue careers in teaching, fitness, sport and wellness in addition to professional certifications and graduate degrees in physical therapy, exercise physiology, cardiac rehabilitation and other allied health fields.

LEARN MORE Major & Minor • Clinical Exercise Science • Health & Fitness • K-12 Licensure, PE (Emphasis & Minor) • Sport & Fitness Management • Sport Psychology (Minor) Career Pathways • Athletic Training • Cardiac Rehabilitation • Sport Administration • Sport Psychology Beyond the Classroom ESS students participate in the Wellness Elevated program where they assist community members with creating and maintaining fitness regimens, and they gain access to Western’s High Altitude Performance (HAP) Lab where they conduct cutting-edge research on high altitude athletic performance. UNDERGRADUATE Exercise & Sport Science Western’s ESS curriculum provides students with a holistic understanding of the biological, psychological and physiological aspects of exercise. Randall Gee Contact Lance Dalleck, Ph.D. Professor of Exercise & Sport Science ldalleck@western.edu 970.943.7132 western.edu/ess Randall Gee From biomechanics, to VO2 max, to cardiac output and beyond, students study an array of physiology topics in the HAP Lab. 12 Western.edu | 13

Geology

Study millions of years geological evolution minutes away from campus

Geology is the science of the Earth, which includes rocks, minerals and so much more. Our majors learn about important resources like clean water, lithium for batteries and fill for construction. They study ice age climates, earthquakes and landslides. The program boasts personalized field and classroom instruction in an amazing geologic location.

LEARN MORE Major & Minor • Environmental Geology • Geoarchaeology • Petroleum Geology • Secondary Licensure Career Pathways • Petroleum Geology • Geophysics • Field Sedimentology • Hydrogeology Beyond the Classroom In addition to standard field trips and outdoor lab work, Western’s geology program requires students to partake in a month-long, immersive field camp experience in which they supplement their classroom knowledge with extensive practical learning in some of Colorado’s most geologically unique settings. UNDERGRADUATE Western’s location in the South-Central Colorado Rockies makes it the perfect place for hands-on learning about a variety of geological phenomena. Emma Brophy Contact David Marchetti, Ph.D. Professor of Geology dmarchetti@western.edu 970.943.2367 western.edu/geology 14 Western.edu | 15

Use theoretical math concepts to solve complex, real-world problems

In a world saturated with big data, the ability to create meaning out of this information is increasingly relevant and desired in business, finance, engineering, medicine and the sciences. A major or minor in mathematics complements any degree that uses the scientific process.

Mathematics LEARN MORE Major & Minor • Actuarial Science • Data Analytics (Minor) • Secondary Licensure Career Pathways • Economics • Education • Financial Planning • Software Testing Beyond the Classroom Math majors at Western enhance their degrees by attending two annual conferences, conducting independent research under the supervision of expert faculty and serving as tutors and supplemental instruction leaders for Western students who want help mastering their math skills. UNDERGRADUATE Western’s Math program delivers more than just numbers and formulas; our professors equip students with critical thinking, problem solving and information analysis skills. Taylor Cull Contact Jeremy Muskat, Ph.D. Professor & Chair of MCS jmuskat@western.edu 970.943.3150 western.edu/program/mathematics 16 Western.edu | 17

Analyze health through the lens of nutrition

Understanding the human diet and how to provide the human body with adequate nutrition is essential to maximizing health, wellness and overall fitness. Nutrition Science students will acquire the tools necessary to benefit the lives of others as they prepare to kick start their careers in nutrition, food science, food service management or public health.

Nutrition Science LEARN MORE Major & Minor • Community Nutrition • Pre-Dietetics Career Pathways • Dietetics • Nutritional Therapy • Pediatric Nutrition • Sports Nutrition Beyond the Classroom Students in the Nutrition Science program can conduct research in the High Altitude Performance Lab, create specialized workout and nutrition plans for community members through the Wellness Elevated program, and work with professors to publish research in academic journals. UNDERGRADUATE Western’s Nutrition Science program prepares you to help others set and achieve their health goals through enhancing their food choices. Randall Gee Contact Lance Dalleck, Ph.D. Professor of Exercise & Sport Science ldalleck@western.edu 970.943.7132 western.edu/program/nutrition-science Randall Gee Learn about the complexities and nuances of nutrition and how to incorporate individual lifestyle in diet choices. 18 Western.edu | 19

Untangle the complicated nature of energy, matter, motion and space

Earn credits in labs while working closely with peers and professors. Explore your many options of designing your own independent study or work alongside faculty on research projects. You can even build a Mars Rover-like robot for NASA’s Colorado Space Grant Consortium Robotics Challenge, or study at the Gunnison Valley Observatory and peer through the reflector telescope.

Physics UNDERGRADUATE LEARN MORE
Major
& Minor • Applied Physics/ Pre-Engineering Career Pathways • Data Science • Research • Lab Management • Process Engineering Beyond the Classroom Western’s physics program offers extensive opportunities to get involved outside the classroom. Past students have designed mock satellite missions, built and tested robots at Great Sand Dunes National Park, and conducted independent research at the Gunnison Valley Observatory. The Physics program at Western emphasizes the importance of applied mathematics, making this program a perfect complement to any STEM degree. John McKeith Contact John Mason, Ph.D. Professor of Physics jmason@western.edu 970.943.2142 western.edu/physics Katie Lyons Physics students take their learning outside the classroom, whether it’s the merry-go-round on campus or testing robots in national parks. 20 Western.edu | 21

Pre-Health

Preparing you to help others enhance and renew their health With an 89% acceptance rate for students who applied for a healthcare-related professional program over the last ten years, Western’s Pre-Health programs boast an unmatched tradition of excellence. Each of the three pre-health pathways provides a comprehensive curriculum that both challenges and engages students and supports them with the personalized mentorship they need to land their dream careers in the health and medical fields.

Beyond the Classroom

UNDERGRADUATE LEARN MORE Major & Minor (Biology) • Pre-Med/Cell & Molecular • Pre-Nursing • Pre-Physical Therapy Career Pathways • Anesthesiology • Dermatology • Radiology • Nursing • Physical Therapy
Pre-Health students make the most of their degrees by participating in the pre-health mentorship program, the Rocky Vista University early-acceptance program (automatic acceptance into medical school), several pre-health focused clubs, academic societies and independent research funded through the Thornton Biology Research Program. Our dedicated faculty help students land local internships each year to help them build their resumes prior to pursuing further study. Carley Clegg Contact Emily McMahill, Pharm.D. Ferchau Lecturer in Biology, Pre-Health Advisor emcmahill@western.edu 970.943.2311 western.edu/program/ pre-health-advising Carley Clegg Pre-Health students take courses that help them understand the human body from a biological, psychological and physiological perspective. 22 Western.edu | 23

Western-CU Partnership Program

Earn a CU Boulder Degree at Western

Earn a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science or Mechanical Engineering from CU Boulder’s College of Engineering & Applied Science—all on Western’s campus.

Students in the partnership program complete their first two years as Western students and the balance of their education as CU Boulder students, all while remaining on the Western campus in Gunnison.

WESTERN-CU PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM - COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING
The Paul M. Rady School of Computer Science & Engineering was established in 2018 through a generous $80 million gift from CEO of Antero Resources, Paul M. Rady ‘78. The school aims to provide the ever-growing technology industry with well-rounded, innovative professionals.
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Computer

Become career ready in one of the fastest growing industries

As digital technology continues to evolve and becomes an even bigger part of modern society, the demand has never been higher for computer scientists. In this program, you’ll become fluent in coding languages, understand computer system architecture on a macro and micro scale and work with dedicated faculty to prepare for a rewarding career in the technology industry.

Science
LEARN MORE Areas of Specialization • Robotics • Data Science • Machine Learning • Artificial Intelligence Career Pathways • Software Engineering • Research & Development • Project Management • Web Development Beyond the Classroom Students in the Computer Science program enhance their learning through pursuing internship opportunities, tutoring their peers at the Lambda Learning Center, attending STEM career fairs, and conducting independent research under faculty supervision. Western’s facilities allow students to put their knowledge to the test and contribute meaningful work to organizations around the community, state and nation. Kate Wasson Contact Laurel Fisher Assistant Director, Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program lfisher@western.edu 970.943.7042 Kate Wasson As the demand for computer scientists and engineers grows, program graduates will look forward to dozens of fulfilling and lucrative job opportunities. WESTERN-CU PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM - COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING western.edu/program/computerscience-university-colorado-partnership 26 Western.edu | 27

Mechanical Engineering

Bring your bold engineering ideas into reality

In the Mechanical Engineering program, you’ll use physics, math, technology and a sense of innovation to craft futureoriented solutions to complex problems. Our state-of-the-art facilities provide you with an engaging learning environment that facilitates practical understanding of even the most complex classroom concepts, and you’ll be encouraged and mentored by expert faculty to prepare you for the career of your dreams.

LEARN MORE Areas of Specialization • Robotics • Biomechanics • Product Design • Outdoor Industry Engineering • Sustainability Career Pathways • Research & Development • Project Management • Product Management • Systems Engineering Beyond the Classroom Mechanical engineering students bring their learning into the community and are encouraged to have fun while doing it. Whether they’re building trebuchets to launch tennis balls across campus, designing unique bike racks to place throughout the town, or testing outdoor equipment for functionality, our students gain the real-world experience they need to succeed in future careers. The Rady Building, Western’s newest academic facility, provides students with the most up-to-date computer equipment and software. Kate Wasson Contact Laurel Fisher Assistant Director, Western-CU Boulder Partnership Program lfisher@western.edu 970.943.7042 western.edu/ program/mechanicalengineering-universitycolorado-partnership Kate Wasson Through partnerships with organizations such as Blister Labs, students gain resume-building experience to make them competitive applicants in future career searches. WESTERN-CU PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM - COMPUTER SCIENCE & ENGINEERING 28 Western.edu | 29

Fast Track Your Education

Jumpstart your entry into the professional world

Accelerate your education, accelerate your career. Western offers a multitude of accelerated degrees, allowing you to earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in just five years—saving you time and money. Pursuing this path gets you out into the workforce and gives you a head start on career success.

Each accelerated program functions a bit differently, but in general, you spend the first three years taking undergraduate courses and the last two taking graduate courses. After the fourth year, you earn your bachelor’s. After the fifth year, you earn your master’s.

ACCELERATED DEGREE PROGRAMS
LEARN MORE Ecology • B.A. in Environment & Sustainability or B.S. in Biology • M.S. in Ecology Environmental Management (MEM) • B.A. in Business Administration, Environment & Sustainability, History, Politics & Government, Psychology, Recreation & Outdoor Education or Sociology or B.S. in Biology • Master in Environmental Management Exercise & Sport Science (HAEP) • B.S. in Biology or Exercise & Sport Science • M.S. in Exercise & Sport Science, High Altitude Exercise Physiology western.edu/ecology3plus2 western.edu/mem3plus2 western.edu/haep Western’s accelerated STEM degrees allow students to streamline their undergraduate education into a practical master’s thesis project. Carley Clegg Contact Admissions Office admissions@western.edu 970.943.2119 Outdoor Industry (OIMBA) • B.S. in Mechnical Engineering • MBA in Outdoor Industry western.edu/outdoor-industry-mba Rural Community Health • B.A. in Sociology with a Community Health emphasis • MBS in Rural Community Health western.edu/mbs 30

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western.edu/admissions-aid/admissions admissions@western.edu 970.943.2119
western.edu/finaid finaid@western.edu 970.943.3085
Flynn Guerrieri Regional Director of STEM Recruitment fguerrieri@western.edu 970.975.3048 Facebook: @WesternColoradoUniversity Instagram: @westerncoloradouniversity @westerncoadmissions Twitter: @WesternColoU TikTok: @westerncou LinkedIn: linkedin.com/school/ western-colorado-university WESTERN.EDU Olivia Reinhardt Front Cover: Olivia Reinhardt Printed Locally

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